The flight times are getting faster and faster at the FAI World Drone Racing Championship Grand Final 2019 (WDRC2019) in Xiangshan Ningbo, China, as the pilots get used to the event race track.

There are now just 64 competitors left in the running to be crowned FAI World Drone Racing Champion 2019. And with all of them trying to get the fastest possible times to win a place in tomorrow’s Finals, the races are closer, tighter, and more challenging for everyone taking part. 

For someone who holds more records, cups and accolades than most sportspeople, British pilot and adventurer David Hempleman-Adams says that he is more motivated by pushing the limits of the equipment and the team than the prospect of a gleaming medal:

“Records are the last thing you’re looking for… It doesn’t matter if you fail, just get out there!”

Qualifying is now complete at the FAI World Drone Racing Championship Grand Final 2019 (WDRC2019), which kicked off in style today with an impressive Opening Ceremony in Xiangshan Ningbo, China (watch the video below).

Markus Haggeney, 59, has been appointed Acting Secretary General of the FAI, following Susanne Schödel's departure as Secretary General. He is taking on his new role as of today.

FAI President Bob Henderson said: “Susanne Schödel has led the work of the FAI Head Office for almost six years and done her utmost to deliver outcomes that benefit the whole organisation. I wish her the very best for the future.

Junior competitors are once again tipped to dominate the podiums at the FAI World Drone Racing Championship Grand Final 2019 (WDRC2019).

Favourites at this year’s event include Korean junior pilot Minchan Kim (top picture), who claimed the top spot at the recent FAI World Drone Masters in Jeonju, Korea, and FAI Drone Racing World Cup 2018 winner Killian Rousseau of France.

The 113th FAI General Conference took place in Lausanne, Switzerland, on 5 and 6 December 2019.

Some 110 delegates from Active, Associate, and Temporary Member Countries attended this year’s conference, alongside International Affiliate Members, FAI elected Officers, Presidents of Honour, Companions of Honour, delegates appointed by Presidents of Commissions and Observers.

The four members of Team France will be gunning for glory when they take to the 2019 FAI World Drone Racing Championship Grand Final (WDRC2019) track in the coastal Chinese city of Xiangshan Ningbo next week, their supporters say.

The first-ever radio-controlled airship event took place over three days at Faszination Modellbau in November 2019 in Friedrichshafen, Germany. It was organised by the Aeroclub of Germany  (DAeC) the Aerarium Club, an organisation that is promoting Lighter than Air Vehicles.

Two years ago, the inauguration of smartflyerchallenge, Europe’s First Electric Fly-In took place at LSZG Grenchen Airport in Switzerland, the first project of its kind in the world. Aircraft builders and makers from all over Europe joined in to show their projects and the community of electric-powered aircraft came together to celebrate the era of sustainable and more efficient ways of flying.